Game of Thrones Nairobi fans literally bleed for the throne ahead of GoT Season 8 premier

Mar 14, 2019

Hundreds of Kenyan Game of Thrones fans literally bled for the iron throne as they participated in a blood donation drive organized by DStv and the Kenya Red Cross Society.

The blood drive is a HBO global campaign dubbed ‘For The Throne’ and comesa month before the much anticipated final season (season 8) of HBO’s most watched and celebrated TV series. The premiere of Game of Thrones Season 8 is set for April 14, 2019 and will be aired on Mnet Channel 102.

Speaking during the blood donation drive at the Kenya National Archives, MultiChoice Kenya General Manager Simon Kariithi reiterated the company’s delight in organizing the drive noting that it will make a positive impact in the country as the blood will go towards saving someone’s life.

“MultiChoice Kenya understands the amount of power entertainment has, and we know how much Game of Thrones has gained popularity not only in Kenya but globally. We are therefore very happy to partner with the Kenya Red Cross Society to ensure that we get as much blood as possible to replenish our blood bank and save the lives of the many Kenyans in need of blood at any given time,” said Mr. Kariithi, “We want to use our influence and resources to play a positive role in Africa.

On his part, Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Abbas Gullet said the blood drive could not have come at a better time.

“We still have a blood shortage in our blood banks. Kenya needs 450,000 units of blood in the blood bank but we don’t even get to 50 percent of this amount. That’s why we are very happy that DStv decided to have this donation drive, I would urge more corporates to do the same so that the amount of blood in our banks can go up,” said Dr. Gullet.

The blood drive, which will run through to the 16th of March, will take place at Nairobi National Archives from 8am to 4pm. After giving blood, donors will walk in the steps of the characters and get exclusive Game of Thrones merchandise while supplies last.

The blood drive is aimed at harnessing the cultural power of Westeros to help end blood shortage in the real world.

To help interested donors easily make the journey to Bleed for the Throne, tips on blood donation are available on the Kenya Red Cross Society website and App.

This is one of the largest simultaneous blood drives across the world, where Game of Thrones fans around the globe will be able to participate thanks to additional partnerships with local blood donation organizations. Countries that will be taking part include; United States, Norway, Sweden, South Africa, Ghana, Botswana, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Serbia , Greece and Croatia.

Bleed For The Throne is the latest installment of the For The Throne global marketing campaign that kicked off in November 2018, which will include social stunts, experiential, international activations, brand partnerships and more, introducing the #ForTheThrone hashtag and galvanizing fans and brands to profess what they would do “For the Throne.”